Microsoft + Xbox Live + Electronic Arts = Kissed and Made Up? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

omega2K4 · 01-21-2004, 11:43 PM

Quote:

IGN Xbox
As most gamers already know, EA Xbox games up to now have not featured online support for reasons unspecified. The word is that this year, though, EA will be announcing Live support for the next round of sports titles, as well as a number of new titles, including the once-canned Battlefield 1942. In fact, we have reports of an unnamed Microsoft representative in New Zealand who confirmed that Battlefield 1942 will be EA's first Xbox Live game - a nice way to make an entrance, don't you think?

The official statement from an EA representative was: "EA has a strong partnership with MSFT and close to 20 titles in development for the Xbox system. EA and MSFT do not have an agreement for including online capability on our Xbox titles. EA does not have any titles in development that include Xbox Live capability. This includes the Battlefield franchise."
Not the news you probably wanted to hear, but there is the possibility that a deal between Microsoft and EA hasn't been made yet and that the statement is just cleverly worded to allow for such developments. Additionally, the EA representative did say that EA has been in talks with Microsoft about online play and that "...negotiations are always fluid." This could imply that talks are going smoothly, but also that - because an agreement has obviously not been met - things are not going well. Mixed message? We think so.

EA supporting Xbox Live means a lot for the Xbox. With an arguably better online interface than on the PlayStation 2, Xbox Live with EA games potentially means more gamers playing EA games online, and more gamers shelling out cash for an Xbox. It's a win-win situation, so let's hope we hear something soon. If such an announcement were to be made, expect E3 to be just the place for it.

Even though it isn't officially announced, all I can say is...ABOUT GODDAMNED TIME. I've been hearing rumors for months that EA would start supporting Xbox Live in Mid-to-Late 2004. Starting with either the Madden 2005 games, or the once-announced-before-xbox-launch game Battlefield 1942. Even though I'd still hate EA with passion if they supported Xbox Live, I'd still be grateful for a console version of Battlefield 1942.

Vilkata · 01-22-2004, 03:51 AM

Doesn't really mean much to me since I'd rather play BF1942 on my PC, but that's great news for all the EA games fans. Finally this feud has ended

theburner · 01-22-2004, 06:40 AM

I have a buddy that works for Xbox, and the rumor is that late 04/early 05 EA will start coming out with Live enabled games. The scuttlebutt was that EA was in bed with Sony (ie. Cash Payments) NOT TO provide Xbox / Live Enabled games, but to make them online capable for Sony only.
As we have seen, Sony exclusive deals don't last long. Xbox is becoming a MAJOR player, and software companies want to make sure they aren't limited to a specific platform. I expect we will see MANY MORE game companies jumping in bed with Xbox, especially if MS uses their clout with their OS Side of the company. Kinda hard to make PC games if MS doesn't help provide you with debug kits and such.

Dibbler · 01-22-2004, 08:31 AM

EA's attitude towards Xbox and the people who play Xbox has really pissed me off over the last two years and I doubt I'd buy a "Live-enabled" EA game unless it was the greatest game ever made. Even then I'd try to find it used so they wouldn't get profit from me... Bastards!

theburner · 01-22-2004, 08:37 AM

Good games last night dibbler! The only problem was some of your lead happened to graze my head!

BTW, as a Live Supporter I agree 100% with your opinion.

You didn't know it, but you were playing with an Xbox director last night! (Not me, one of the others!)

Dibbler · 01-22-2004, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by theburner
Good games last night dibbler! The only problem was some of your lead happened to graze my head!
BTW, as a Live Supporter I agree 100% with your opinion.

You didn't know it, but you were playing with an Xbox director last night! (Not me, one of the others!)

I liked the "Protect the President" game. I think it'd be fun with a bunch of players. I needed more guys to protect me cuz one was not enough!

I also got a Friends Request from someone in the game. I don't remember who it was though.

I'll have to try and find you more often online. The guys I usually play with have been getting a little boring lately. I'm getting tired of playing with "pistols only" or "Ladders".

theburner · 01-22-2004, 11:08 AM

Yeah, the Protection game is best with about 10-12 players. That way you can have 3 bodyguards and bigger maps. Unfortunately last night was a slow night it seemed.
I like to mix up pistols only occasionally, but not very often. 99% of the people I play with are 25+ and not likely to annoy a mature gamer..

mrquackers · 01-22-2004, 11:37 AM

If this is true, we'll know by the end of the day Tuesday. EA has its quarterly earnings/analyst conference call then.

Mr.Deflok · 01-22-2004, 12:06 PM

Alrighty, gonna have to call my X-box rep!

chillytap · 01-22-2004, 08:17 PM

Jeeze its about time. Guess that penny arcade comic finally got to them.

ducati999 · 01-23-2004, 12:57 AM

man finally ea comes around, microsoft has such a better online service and i have really wanted to play madden online but for xbox because off all its features...ea will make alot more money once they make live titles

01-22-2004, 03:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Vilkata Crazy	Doesn't really mean much to me since I'd rather play BF1942 on my PC, but that's great news for all the EA games fans. Finally this feud has ended __________________ LOL KEEKLES

01-22-2004, 06:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
theburner Canadian Beer Ambassador Location: Cumming, GA	I have a buddy that works for Xbox, and the rumor is that late 04/early 05 EA will start coming out with Live enabled games. The scuttlebutt was that EA was in bed with Sony (ie. Cash Payments) NOT TO provide Xbox / Live Enabled games, but to make them online capable for Sony only. As we have seen, Sony exclusive deals don't last long. Xbox is becoming a MAJOR player, and software companies want to make sure they aren't limited to a specific platform. I expect we will see MANY MORE game companies jumping in bed with Xbox, especially if MS uses their clout with their OS Side of the company. Kinda hard to make PC games if MS doesn't help provide you with debug kits and such. __________________ Take Off Eh!

01-22-2004, 08:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
theburner Canadian Beer Ambassador Location: Cumming, GA	Good games last night dibbler! The only problem was some of your lead happened to graze my head! BTW, as a Live Supporter I agree 100% with your opinion. You didn't know it, but you were playing with an Xbox director last night! (Not me, one of the others!) __________________ Take Off Eh!

01-22-2004, 11:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
theburner Canadian Beer Ambassador Location: Cumming, GA	Yeah, the Protection game is best with about 10-12 players. That way you can have 3 bodyguards and bigger maps. Unfortunately last night was a slow night it seemed. I like to mix up pistols only occasionally, but not very often. 99% of the people I play with are 25+ and not likely to annoy a mature gamer.. __________________ Take Off Eh!

01-22-2004, 11:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
mrquackers Exhausted Location: Northeastern US - please send help!	If this is true, we'll know by the end of the day Tuesday. EA has its quarterly earnings/analyst conference call then. __________________ "If you're walking on thin ice, you may as well go ahead and dance."

01-22-2004, 08:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
Dibbler Psycho Location: Initech, Iowa	EA's attitude towards Xbox and the people who play Xbox has really pissed me off over the last two years and I doubt I'd buy a "Live-enabled" EA game unless it was the greatest game ever made. Even then I'd try to find it used so they wouldn't get profit from me... Bastards!

01-22-2004, 12:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mr.Deflok Blood + Fire Location: New Zealand	Alrighty, gonna have to call my X-box rep!

01-22-2004, 08:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
chillytap Upright	Jeeze its about time. Guess that penny arcade comic finally got to them.

01-23-2004, 12:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
ducati999 Crazy Location: USA	man finally ea comes around, microsoft has such a better online service and i have really wanted to play madden online but for xbox because off all its features...ea will make alot more money once they make live titles __________________ Twist of the wrist